The first time I saw the Penguins live this season was in the Boston Garden, as their only trips to Tampa, where I live now, were on Tuesdays (March 3 and April 7). They sucked, and they lost to the Bruins, who led the league in pregame glitter and intro shows, 5-2. At least I saw some goals. The only thing I liked about how the Penguins played was that Brooks Orpik spent two minutes off the ice in the penalty box, which actually improved Pittsburgh's chances of scoring since Orpik turns the puck over like he is playing hockey with a live hand grenade.

The Pens continued to suck until about mid February, but during that period of poverty, players like my boy Tyler Kennedy, soaked up minutes playing against first line defenses. When they got to Tampa on March 3, Kennedy continued to impress me with his relentless pace and superior desire to have the puck.

Kennedy reminds me of my dog. Whenever I bounce a ball the mutt goes nuts, it needs to get that ball. Kennedy is the same way - diving head-first for loose pucks, persistently getting the snot knocked out of him whilst chasing the thing. He never even stops to check the jersey number of the guy that just knocked him, and the guy in the first row's beer, into a 30 dollar seat.

So when he scored the game-winner last night, who was surprised?

Not this guy, even though it was the weakest shot ever caught on video. That thing trickled by Martin Biron like a slow motion golf putt. I am still not convinced that he even intended to shoot it. I think he's still trying to decide whether to pass to Jordan Staal or Matt Cooke (who pissed off every Flyer except Darroll Powe (Powe was pissed at Rob Scuderi)).

Regardless, Kennedy scored, and I don't know the guy's contract situation, but let's get him locked down for several years quick. He has grown as a player by 120 percent this season. Watching him and his new-found wrister and confidence fly through enemy territory lately, I can't tell if it's Kennedy or Sidney Crosby. Thanks to the Pens mid-season SuckFest, Kennedy got some first-line experience and boy is he taking it out on Philly's third line.